Interior photos include a stunning shot of a long-gone Third Avenue elevated station (by Lothar Stelter), an appreciation of the craftsmanship of wooden BRT el car 737 on the Myrtle Avenue el (George J. Abere, Jr.) and a shot of the old Bof T's only venture into modern design beauty, the Budd R11, near Coney Island in 1970 (Doug Grotjahn).
Other photos are sure to satisfy, as Bill has the talent of lining up an array of the some of the best and best-known transit photographers, including, in addition to those mentioned, Philip Hom, Russell Jackson, Eric Oszustowicz and Glenn Smith.
Filling out the calendar, and enhancing its collectibility, are a colorful rendering of the TA's R38 as it would have looked if had not been built in stainless steel, and a photo of the finished product, plus a season's greeting graphic featuring the New Year's baby astride a new BMT Standard by the talented illustrator Ernest Hamlin Baker.
Lastly, the back cover has a reproduction of the 1948 notice that announced the end of New York's near-sacred five cent subway fare.
The calendar is available at a handful of NYC locations, such as the Transit Museum gift shop, and at Penn Station. It is also available directly by mail, as are a number of prior year calendars at reduced prices.
--Paul Matus
NYC Subways 2002 Calendar
Edited by William Mangahas
12-month calendar, 12x9in, 18 illus.
Newkirk Images
P.O. Box 237
Copiague, NY 11726-0237
Retail $9.95 + $2.50 postage for one
8.5% Sales Tax to NYS addresses
email: newkirk@optonline.net
Among the more eagerly awaited calendars each year is Newkirk Image's New York City Subways Calendar series edited by Bill Mangahas.
Bill's selections are always large, sharp and colorful. Tastes vary, and some shots are sure to appeal to one group of fans more than others, but this year's selection includes a broad range and is especially nice.
The cover (above) features the pristine BMT Standard museum cars sweeping over a sadly graffitied R27 on the Jamaica Line near Broadway Junction in 1977 (Willliam Mangahas photo). The needs of web publishing really don't do the printed picture justice.
Each autumn has become calendar time, when everyone from beagle lovers to stock car fans look over the new year's offerings with a eye to gift-giving and, of course, one's own refrigerator door.
Railroad calendars are popular, and there are a few for the subculture of subway fans, as well.